James E. Smith

April 7, 1956 - March 20, 2019

James E. Smith, age 62, of Galesburg, Illinois, passed away at his home on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at 8:48 P.M. James was born April 7, 1956 in Avon, Illinois, the son of Floyd and Dorothy (Lockwood) Smith. He married Ruth Radenbaugh on July 24, 1976 at the Victoria Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife Ruth Smith of Galesburg; three children: Angela (Michael) Hume of Galesburg, Erika Smith of Galesburg, Dakota Smith of Galesburg; special granddaughter, Joleena Stufflebeem of Ottumwa, Iowa; two great-granddaughters; two great-grandsons; two sisters: Linda Kniss of Galesburg, Sandra (Don) Brittingham of Galesburg; and a special brother-in-law, Mark Paben. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Floyd E. Smith, Gary L. Smith, and Dennis Smith; one sister, Barbara Smith; and one sister-in-law, Mary E. Anderson. James was an avid fan of Harley Davidson motorcycles, classic cars, and the Chicago Cubs. He loved his family, especially his great-grandbabies. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, March 29, 2019 from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. at the Hurd-Hendricks Fellowship Center in Knoxville, Illinois. Memorial donations may be made to the family.